Zabit Magomedsharipov Wants Title Shot, Following Yair Rodriguez Injury

Now that Yair Rodriguez has been forced out of a planned bout with Zabit Magomedsharipov, the latter is calling on the UFC to tap him for a title shot. Rodriguez, however, has another idea.

Magomedsharipov tells UFC to “stop playing games”

Magomedsharipov and Rodriguez were expected to fight on August 29th. But, recently Dana White confirmed that Rodriguez has been sidelined with an ankle injury. 

Since then, Magomedsharipov made it clear that he’s more than ready to throw hands with the featherweight champ, Alexander Volkvanovki.

“Hey @ufc stop playing games with me! Give me a title shot!

How long should I wait until you do what you promised? Before UFC 249 in April, I waited first for Rodriguez, then Ortega, then Zombie.

Within a month, you changed 3-4 opponents for me, as a result, you did not organize any of the fights and told me to wait for Max and Volkanovski’s rematch, so I could fight for the title with the winner of their fight later.

The rematch is long gone, let’s see how you keep your word! I deserve to fight for the title and I can take that belt.”

If you’re wondering, Magomedsharipov (18-1) is currently ranked #3 in the 145 division, and the Dagestani fighter has gone 6-0 to date. Most recently, in November, he beat Calvin Kattar by decision.

Rodriguez wants Zabit to wait

Well, Rodriguez caught wind of Zabit’s title shot callout, and he responded with this inflammatory post (warning: graphic language).

“Sit down and wait for me the way you have been waiting. You will get a real good taste of my big mexican balls soon enough and since when did you become the sh*t talker?

That you or your manager? Either way you’ll both wait for me like the little dogs you are. Tongue out and begging. I’ll see you in October-November 5 rounds.”

So, it will be interesting to see what happens. You could certainly make the case that Zabit deserves a title shot already. 

But, if Volkanovski isn’t looking to fight anytime too soon – he just beat Max Holloway for a second time last month – then the UFC might want to wait for Zabit vs. Yair.